McGraw-Page Library: Office of International Education: Resources for Travel: Prepare for international travel

Start with the Big Things

Resources for Travelers - Office of International Education (R-MC)
Learn how to apply for your Passport, as well as how best to ensure your health and safety while you travel.

Find a Book about your Country

A Year of Reading the World
A freelance writer in the UK embarked on a project to read literature from every country in the world during the course of 2012. Can provide some guidance in selecting a significant book to read.
Frommer's
Find your country (not all are represented, e.g., South America is better represented than Africa) Go to "Complete Guide", and then the "In-Depth" section, and look for "Popular Culture" or "Recommended Books, Films & Music." Includes fiction and non-fiction recommendations.
List of Novelists by Nationality
A Wikipedia article with a list of well-known authors by country

Learn the Language

There are numerous apps that can help you learn a language or improve your existing language skills. Here are a few options to try--find one that works well for you!

Babbel
Learn a language in 10-15 minute lessons. Available for Apple or Android devices. Paid options only.
DuoLingo
Learn one (or more!) of 30 available languages through this fun app. Available for Apple, Android, and Windows devices. Free.
FluentU
Learn one of 12 languages using "real world" videos. Available for Apple phones. Monthly fee after a 15-day trial.
HiNative
Ask questions of native language speakers around the world. App available for Apple and Android smartphones. Free.
Memrise
Learn one of 20 languages on Apple or Android devices. Offers both free and paid versions.
Rosetta Stone
Learn one of 24 languages on Apple or Android devices. Offers limited free options, fuller paid options.